Naples between antiquity, sea and culture

Naples between urban history and coast

Naples combines a densely layered urban history with distinctive landscapes by the sea. In the Historic Centre of Naples, the rectangular grid of the ancient Greek foundation of Neapolis is still recognisable. Along the seafront, the historic centre preserves Roman archaeological remains. The same urban area also includes ancient fortresses and royal complexes, including the Royal Palace dating from 1600. Those interested in history, architecture and the connection between city and coast will find different perspectives on Naples here.

Museums, palaces and historic routes

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli displays, among other things, the Magna Grecia, Farnese and gem collections, mosaics and the Villa dei papiri di Ercolano. Guided tours for visitors can be booked at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli. The Collezione Farnese forms the founding core of the Museo di Capodimonte and occupies the eastern wing of the palace’s piano nobile. At the Palazzo Reale, the Appartamento di Etichetta has been open to the public for visits since 1919. This makes it possible to combine museum visits with different eras and representative interiors.

For a historic route connection, the official Decumano Superiore route runs from the Museo Archeologico Nazionale to the Parco Re Ladislao. Another layer of the city’s history is revealed by Napoli Sotterranea: the site includes air-raid shelters used during the Second World War and is located in the immediate vicinity of Naples. Also nearby are the Museo Orientale Umberto Scerrato, the Museo del tessile e dell'abbigliamento Elena Aldobrandini and the Palazzo Mannajuolo.

Sea, archaeology and Mediterranean landscapes

The protected area of Parco Sommerso di Gaiola stretches from Borgo di Marechiaro to Baia di Trentaremi. The park combines volcanological, biological, historical and archaeological elements. Historical and archaeological remains are visible underwater; clear water and seabeds bearing traces of history attract snorkellers. In the Parco Archeologico del Pausilypon, a path leads through Mediterranean vegetation to a viewpoint overlooking the islets of Gaiola and the Scoglio di Virgilio. These places appeal both to travellers interested in nature and archaeology and to visitors who want to combine walks with maritime impressions.

The Giardini del Molosiglio are located in the immediate vicinity of Naples. Spiaggia di Miseno is located in the vicinity of Naples and is listed as a beach. Parco di Villa Floridiana is located in the immediate vicinity of Naples and is listed as a park. Napoli Aquatica is located in the wider regional surroundings of Naples and is listed as a zoo.

Opera and Neapolitan cuisine

The Teatro San Carlo was built in 1737 and remains the oldest active opera house in the world. Cuisine is also part of Naples’ cultural identity: the traditional art of the Neapolitan pizzaiuolo is recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Naples is also associated with the experience of eating pizza in a historic pizzeria. A trip through Naples therefore places both institutional culture and a local culinary tradition at the centre.

Mobility and choosing your accommodation

For getting around Naples, options include walking through the historic centre, the metro, funicular railways and regional train connections; these also provide access to the Vesuvian, Phlegraean and coastal surroundings. When choosing your accommodation, the planned balance between historic routes in the centre and excursions into the surrounding area is therefore a useful planning consideration. Whether you choose a hotel or holiday apartment in Naples, your daily itinerary can be guided by the different options within the city and in the neighbouring landscapes.

Further places for orientation

Torre Annunziata, Anacapri, Baia, Colli Di Fontanelle, Nerano, Vico Equense, Castellammare Di Stabia, Giugliano In Campania, Cercola, Casoria, Casalnuovo Di Napoli, Bacoli, Arzano, Agerola, Lettere, Castello Di Cisterna, San Vitaliano, Villaricca, Napoli, Pozzuoli, Frattamaggiore, Villazzano I, Afragola, Cimitile, Melito Di Napoli, Marigliano, Ercolano, Trecase, Marina Di Varcaturo, Lido Di Licola, Meta, Gragnano, San Giorgio A Cremano, Quarto, Massa Lubrense, Pollena Trocchia, Boscotrecase, Varcaturo, Casavatore, Visciano, Mariglianella, Brusciano, Lago Patria, Montechiaro, San Paolo Bel Sito, Marechiaro, Roccarainola, Calvizzano, Saviano, Sant'Anastasia, Caivano, Pomigliano d'Arco, San Sebastiano Al Vesuvio, Casola di Napoli, Qualiano, Sant'Antimo, Somma Vesuviana, Terzigno, Palma Campania, Acerra, Portici, Priora, Marano Di Napoli, Volla, Tufino, Boscoreale, Sant'Antonio Abate, San Giuseppe Vesuviano, Poggiomarino, Schiazzano, Pimonte, Ottaviano, Nola, Mugnano Di Napoli, Piano Di Sorrento, Pompei, Sant'Agata Sui Due Golfi, Sant'Agnello, Sorrento, Termini-Massa Lubrense, Santa Maria La Carità, Procida, Serrara Fontana, Torre Del Greco, Capri, Monte Di Procida.

For the higher-level travel overview: Campania.